April 17 The main activity of the day is watching “Influenza 1918.” Please conduct the following activities related to the film. Before Watching
Divide students into two groups. Tell students they are going to see a film about a public health crisis. Make a list of what factors they think might have contributed to the spread of disease in 1918. Ask one group to jot down all the specific activities that contributed to the rapid spread of the disease. Ask the other group to note efforts by local or national officials to slow the spread of the illness and when these efforts occurred.
After Watching
Put two columns on the board: "Factors contributing to flu spread" and "Actions of public health officials." Using their notes, complete the lists as a class. Looking back at the flu epidemic, ask students what they think should have been done to try to control the disease's spread. Why do they think these actions were not taken?
The recently released "National Standards for United States History" published by the National Center for History in the Schools does not include any mention of the 1918 flu epidemic. Why do students think Americans have not retained this incident in their collective memory? What do you think the impact of it was on those who lived through it? How much do you think the euphoria surrounding the Armistice overshadowed the experience of the epidemic? What can we learn from studying it? Is it an important incident to study? Why or why not?
Students should write a 1-2 page paper one of the following topics (due MONDAY):
Why do you think more was not more done to stop the spread of the flu?
Why do think this incident is often not covered in US History classes? (or included in the National Standards for US History?)
April 18 The main activity of the day is watching “The Great War.” Please conduct the following activities related to the film. Pre-viewing Discussion
Ask students to discuss what they know about Veterans Day. What is the meaning and purpose of this day? Why is this holiday observed on November 11th of each year?
The Nineteenth Amendment ratified in 1920 brought women the right to vote. Speculate about the political, social and economic changes that have occurred in America as a result of this constitutional change.
During World War I, Americans bought Liberty Bonds and rationed their use of food and other supplies. In what other ways could Americans have supported their country at this time?
Follow-up Discussion
One of the major causes of World War I was Europeans’ strong sense of nationalism — honoring and promoting one’s nation above all others. Ask students to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of extreme pride in one’s country.
President Wilson sided with public opinion and believed that America’s best course was to avoid the war in Europe. Ask students to analyze Wilson’s pre-war foreign policy views and evaluate them in light of America’s policy of trading with belligerents at the time.
The postwar strikes of 1919 rocked the nation. What effect did labor strife have on America, and why did it contribute to Americans’ fear of foreigners?
Students should write a one page response to one of the follow-up discussion questions, due on MONDAY.
work time for presentation
April 15
presentations
April 16
watch "The Chinese American Experience"
April 17
The main activity of the day is watching “Influenza 1918.” Please conduct the following activities related to the film.
Before Watching
- Divide students into two groups. Tell students they are going to see a film about a public health crisis. Make a list of what factors they think might have contributed to the spread of disease in 1918. Ask one group to jot down all the specific activities that contributed to the rapid spread of the disease. Ask the other group to note efforts by local or national officials to slow the spread of the illness and when these efforts occurred.
After Watching- Put two columns on the board: "Factors contributing to flu spread" and "Actions of public health officials." Using their notes, complete the lists as a class. Looking back at the flu epidemic, ask students what they think should have been done to try to control the disease's spread. Why do they think these actions were not taken?
- The recently released "National Standards for United States History" published by the National Center for History in the Schools does not include any mention of the 1918 flu epidemic. Why do students think Americans have not retained this incident in their collective memory? What do you think the impact of it was on those who lived through it? How much do you think the euphoria surrounding the Armistice overshadowed the experience of the epidemic? What can we learn from studying it? Is it an important incident to study? Why or why not?
Students should write a 1-2 page paper one of the following topics (due MONDAY):April 18
The main activity of the day is watching “The Great War.” Please conduct the following activities related to the film.
Pre-viewing Discussion
- Ask students to discuss what they know about Veterans Day. What is the meaning and purpose of this day? Why is this holiday observed on November 11th of each year?
- The Nineteenth Amendment ratified in 1920 brought women the right to vote. Speculate about the political, social and economic changes that have occurred in America as a result of this constitutional change.
- During World War I, Americans bought Liberty Bonds and rationed their use of food and other supplies. In what other ways could Americans have supported their country at this time?
Follow-up DiscussionStudents should write a one page response to one of the follow-up discussion questions, due on MONDAY.